Host:burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum (burley type)
L.)Descriptor: DamageDescription: Genetically abnormall tobacco plants, while usually of little or no economic importance, may be confused with infectious disease or chemical injuries. These abnormalities may be called monstosities, malformations, enations, anamolies, throwbacks, kickbacks, or runouts. It is unusual to find more than one of these abnormal plants in a field. Most fields contain none. Chimeras or variegated tobacco plants have irregular patches on the leaves that vary in color from creamy-white to yellow-green and give the plant a marbled or mottled appearance. Most variegated plants attain normal size, bloom normally, and produce seed. Sometimes abnormally shaped leaves appear on the affected plant. Patterns may be seen in the cured leaves from variegated plants. Another example of genetic abnormality is ruffles. Leaf margins roll downward, and leaves curve downward. Petioles may be elongated. The leaf blade margin may form pouches or folds upon itself, especially along veins on the underside of the leaf.Image type: Field Image location: United States